Northamptonshire

Scrutiny Panel Role Description

Purpose

The Scrutiny Panel challenges the performance of Futures Housing Group, influences change in strategies, policies and services and drives improvement.

Key areas

To challenge the management team where it is identified that performance falls below expected standards by monitoring and reviewing performance in relation to service delivery against service commitments and local and national service standards.

To make recommendations to the Insight Committees where the Panel finds performance has fallen below expected levels.

To facilitate these aims the Scrutiny Panel will be given access to strategic and performance management information.

To develop best practice models through benchmarking.

This role is unpaid but expenses will be paid in accordance with our Customer Engagement Expenses policy.

To support the achievement of the company’s vision, mission and objectives through constructive challenge and uphold the values of the organisation observing all codes of conduct relevant to the role.

Develop good working relationships with colleagues on the Panel, Futures Housing Group team members and the Board.

To prepare and agree an annual work plan based on customer, business and Insight Committee priorities and using such information as the Corporate Plan, annual reports, performance reports and operational risk registers. Additional areas of scrutiny may be agreed during the year which may be suggested by the Panel, Insight Committee or customers where it is considered a priority.

The Panel will commission a review of performance and make representations or recommendations to the management Team, Insight Committees or Board as appropriate.

The Panel produces half yearly reports to the Insight Committees on their activities and an annual report on scrutiny to the Board in line with the company’s annual report cycle.

Other areas of work include:

Review performance against standards and compare the organisation’s performance against other similar organisations.

Participate in annual reviews of the Scrutiny Panel’s performance and effectiveness in order to inform a training and development plan.

Keep up to date with developments in social housing, especially those that relate to resident scrutiny.

Assist with the recruitment of new panel members.

Training and Development

Before joining the Panel, potential members will be invited to attend a meeting or taster session. Once appointed, all members will have an induction programme and training needs will be assessed.

Responsibilities

To understand and adhere to policies and procedures including the Terms of Reference, Code of Conduct, Grievance, Confidentiality, Health and Safety, Equality and Diversity and Expenses policies, including Data Protection.

Participate actively in regular training and development in relation to the role.

To prepare for and regularly attend meetings of the Scrutiny Panel.

To declare any conflicts of interest and follow the rules laid down in the Company’s Terms of Reference and Code of Conduct.